Hutchison asked to be Republican face of Violence Against Women Act

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison speaks out against Governor Perry to end the dispute over federal funding for the Women's Health Program last month. (AP Photo)

Republican leaders have called on Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison to create a Republican alternative to the Violence Against Women Act, which is scheduled to be debated in the Senate next week.

Although the law’s core provisions are not controversial, Senate Democrats have inserted provisions to expand the program for those in Indian reservations, same-sex couples in domestic partnerships and undocumented immigrants. In response Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell approached Hutchison and asked her to work on a Republican version of the bill.

Hutchison told Politico that her bill is similar to the Democrat’s version except while it offer potential legal status for undocumented immigrants who are victims of abuse, it does not expand the program further, as the Democrat’s bill does.

Cal Jillson, a professor of political science at Southern Methodist University said the passing the 18-year-old law would normally be a “no brainer,” but Republicans are stuck between the addition they oppose and the pressure of an election year where women favor Democrats to Republican by 17-points.

“Republicans have not valued the moderate female members,” Jillson said. “They’re now paying a price for it.”

Jillson imagines that Hutchison, who has faced opposition within her own party for the more moderate views she holds, such as those on abortion, drafted the bill with “a taste of ashes in her mouth.”

“[McConnel asking Hutchison] suggests that her views are now needed by the Republican Party to help them win back support among women. Jillson said. “Having taken these positions has cost her dearly.”